Multi-tower modular dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.13/116,266, filed May 26, 2011, entitled “Multi-Tower Modular DispensingSystem,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a method and modular beveragedispensing system for the dispensing of beverages, e.g., for restaurants(including fast food restaurants), theatres, convenience stores, gasstations, and other entertainment and/or food service venues.

BACKGROUND

Various beverage dispensers, such as those at restaurants, theatres andother entertainment and/or food service venues, typically have either a“drop in” dispenser apparatus or a counter top type dispenser apparatus.In a drop in dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus isself-contained and may be dropped into an aperture of a counter top. Ina counter top type dispenser apparatus, the dispenser apparatus isplaced on a counter top. In conventional beverage dispensers, adispensing head is coupled to a particular drink syrup supply source viaa single pipe dedicated to supply the particular drink syrup to thatdispensing head, wherein the particular drink syrup supply source istypically located near the counter top, i.e., directly under the countertop, or directly over the counter top.

A user will typically place a cup under the signage of the selectedbeverage and either press a button or press the cup against a dispensinglever to activate the dispenser so that the selected beverage isdelivered from the dispensing head corresponding to the selectedbeverage and into the cup until pressure is withdrawn from the button orlever.

Conventional beverage dispensers are typically limited to dispensingdrinks having flavoring supply sources located at their respectivecounters. Thus, a limited number of drinks are typically available at aconventional beverage dispenser. For example, drinks typically availableat a conventional beverage dispenser are a regular cola beverage, a dietcola beverage, perhaps one or several non-cola carbonated beverages,such as a lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage or some otherfruit-flavored drink (e.g., orange flavored carbonated beverage, and/orroot beer), and perhaps one more non-carbonated beverage(s), such as atea and/or a lemonade.

Conventional dispensers are not typically configured to permit a usergenerate or receive from a single dispensing head a custom-orderedbeverage that a consumer may wish to purchase, e.g., a cola flavoredwith cherry, vanilla, lemon, or lime, etc., or a tea flavored withlemon, orange, peach, raspberry, etc., or a tea having one or moreteaspoons of sweetener (sugar, or some other nutritive sweetener ornon-nutritive sweetener).

Conventional dispensers typically require servicing and resupply offlavoring sources at the counter.

Conventional dispensers typically require a dedicated dispensing headfor each particular beverage.

What is needed is a beverage dispensing system that does not have thelimitations and disadvantages of conventional beverage dispensers andmethods.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is provided a multi-tower modular dispensing system.

In one aspect, a multi-tower dispensing system may comprise at least afirst dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, atransfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extendingfrom the transfer unit to the counter. The transfer unit may comprise acentralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredientsources. The centralized ingredient system may be configured to supplybeverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a firstbeverage at the counter. The piping may comprise a main micro bundle,the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverageingredient lines.

In one aspect, a multi-tower modular dispensing system may comprise atleast a first dispensing head at a first counter, at least a seconddispensing head at a second counter, the first and second countersremote from each other, a transfer unit located remotely from the firstcounter and the second counter, and piping extending from the transferunit to the first counter and the second counter. The transfer unit maycomprise a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverageingredient sources. The centralized ingredient system may be configuredto supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of afirst beverage at the first counter and for the dispensing of a secondbeverage at the second counter. The piping may comprise a main microbundle, the main micro bundle comprising at least two separate beverageingredient lines.

In one aspect, a multi-tower modular dispensing system may comprise aplurality of dispensing heads at a first counter, a plurality ofdispensing heads at a second counter, the first and second countersremote from each other, a transfer unit located remotely from the firstcounter and the second counter, and piping extending from the transferunit to the first counter and the second counter. The transfer unit maycomprise a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverageingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured tosupply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of aplurality of beverages at the first counter and for the dispensing of aplurality of beverages at the second counter, the piping comprising atleast one main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising aplurality of separate beverage ingredient lines.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description ofthe illustrated embodiments thereof which are to be read in connectionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is schematic view of an embodiment of a modular dispensing systemaccording to various aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a central linked ingredient systemaccording to various aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates is a perspective of an embodiment of a main microbundle according to various aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a doser unit according to variousaspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a tower micro bundle according tovarious aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a modular dispensingsystem according to various aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of centralized ingredient systemaccording to various aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a cartridge for a beverageingredient according to various aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the addition ofadditional dispensing heads at a single counter according to variousaspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the addition of anadditional counter having an additional dispensing head according tovarious aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 10, with the addition ofadditional dispensing heads at each counter according to various aspectsof the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments discussed below may be used to form a wide variety ofbeverages, including but not limited to cold and hot beverages, andincluding but not limited to beverages known under any PepsiCo brandedname, such as Pepsi-Cola®.

Referring to FIG. 1, the description of one embodiment of the modulardispensing system of the present disclosure will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, a modular dispensing system 10 may be providedcomprising a plurality of dispensing heads 12 at a counter location 14,and a transfer unit 16 located remotely from the counter location 14.Piping 18 may extend from the transfer unit 16 to the counter location14.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the transfer unit 16 may comprise acentralized ingredient system 20 having a plurality of sources 22 ofbeverage ingredients 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48,50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84,86, 88, 90, 92, and 94. FIGS. 1 and 2 show that beverage ingredient 94may be placed next to beverage ingredient 92, and beverage ingredient 94may flow into an opening 96 of pipe 98. As described in greater detailbelow, pipe 98 may be one of the pipes that comprise piping 18. Thecentralized ingredient system 20 may supply beverage ingredients 24through 94 to a dispensing head 12 for more than one beverage. FIG. 9illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the addition of additionaldispensing heads 912A and 912B at a single counter 14. FIG. 10illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the addition of an additionalcounter 114 having an additional dispensing head 1012A, and anadditional counter 214 having an additional dispensing head 1024A. Atleast one of the dispensing heads may be a dispensing head for adrive-through pick up window. While the counters in FIG. 10 depicts thecounters in series, those of skill in the art will recognize that thecounters may also be configured in parallel, e.g., with a separate microbundle leaving transfer unit 16 for each counter. FIG. 11 illustrates avariation of embodiments shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, showing dispensingheads 12, 912A, and 912B at counter 14 (which may be supplied withbeverage ingredients via main micro bundle 18), dispensing heads 1012A,1012B and 1012C at counter 114 (which may be supplied with beverageingredients via main micro bundle 18A), and dispensing heads 1024A,1024B and 1024 at counter 214 (which may be supplied with beverageingredients via main micro bundle 18B). While the counters in FIG. 11depicts the counters in parallel, those of skill in the art willrecognize that the counters may also be configured in series, e.g., witha single main micro bundle 18 leaving transfer unit 16 and supplyingbeverage ingredients to each counter 14, 114, and 124 in series. Atleast one counter may have a dispensing head dedicated supplyingbeverages for a drive through window. Those of skill in the art willrecognize that the system may have the same or different beverageingredients supplied to different dispensing heads located at differentdispensing towers 13, 913, 915, 1013, 1015, 1017, 1113, 1115, and 1117.

Centralized ingredient system 20 may supply beverage ingredients 24through 94 for a greater number of beverages than the number ofdispensing heads 12 that are located at one counter location 14. Asshown in FIG. 10, the centralized ingredient system 20 may supplybeverages to dispensing heads located at counter locations 14, 114, 214that are remote from one another, including but not limited to a counterlocation 214 for a drive-through window. The centralized ingredientsystem 20 may be placed at a remote location 100 from counter locations14, 114, 214, e.g., a back room 102, which preferably is not viewablefrom at least one counter location. In a preferred embodiment, thecentralized ingredient system is not viewable by patrons or customersusing a dispenser and/or purchasing a beverage at a counter location.

The centralized ingredient system 20 may comprise a plurality of highlyconcentrated ingredients for micro dosing in the preparation of a widevariety of beverages. For example, but not by way of limitation, FIGS.1, 2, and 3 illustrate thirty-six beverage ingredients 24 through 94.Each beverage ingredient 24 through 94 may be stored in a cartridge orstorage container 112. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, cartridge 112 maycomprise a bag 116 filled with a beverage ingredient. Each cartridge 112may store an ingredient that is different from the ingredient stored inevery other cartridge 112 that comprise a grouping of plurality ofsources 22.

The centralized ingredient system 20 may comprise a plurality ofsweeteners 118 and 120. Sweetener 118 may be a nutritive sweetener, andsweetener 120 may be a non-nutritive sweetener.

Transfer unit 16 comprises nutritive sweetener cartridge or container122, which contains nutritive sweetener 118, and corresponding nutritivesweetener in pump line 124, nutritive sweetener pump 126, and nutritivesweetener out pump line 302.

Transfer unit 16 may comprise non-nutritive sweetener cartridge orcontainer 128, which may contain non-nutritive sweetener 120, andcorresponding non-nutritive sweetener in pump line 130, non-nutritivepump 132, and non-nutritive sweetener out pump line 304.

Pump 126 may pump nutritive sweetener 118, and pump 132 may pumpnon-nutritive sweetener 120 from the transfer unit 16 through piping 18to dispensing head 12.

Other pumps (not shown) may be used to pump beverage ingredients 24through 94 from the transfer unit 16 through piping 18 to dispensinghead 12.

Another pump or pumps (not shown) may be used to pump water fromtransfer unit 16 through piping 18 to dispensing head 12. The transferunit 16 may comprise a water treatment system 134. Water treatmentsystem 134 may be used to treat water. For example, water treatmentsystem 134 may be used to cool water to a desired temperature for a coldbeverage. A second water treatment (not shown) may be used to heat waterto desired temperature for hot beverages. Water temperature rangesprovided by water treatment system(s) used in connection with watertreatment systems may be just below about freezing (e.g., to create orprepare a slurry or slush product) through about 180 degrees Fahrenheit(e.g., to create or prepare a hot beverage, such as a coffee or tea).The water treatment system may be any suitable water treatment systemthat improves taste, reduces odors, and/or reduces chlorines. The watertreatment system may be any suitable water treatment system that mayimprove water quality to near pure water through systems, including butnot limited to reverse osmosis (RO). As discussed in greater detailbelow, treated water is from water treatment system, and a least onebeverage ingredient from the centralized ingredient system may beprovided to counter location 14. The ratio of water from water treatmentsystem 134 to beverage ingredients provided from centralized ingredientsystem 20 for a beverage may be about 200 to 1 by weight. In oneembodiment, the minimum ingredient may be about 200:1, or about 75:1, orabout 40:1 (e.g., in the form of a flavor or acid), through about 40:1for non-nutritive sweeteners, and about 6:1 for non-nutritivesweeteners. A base beverage may be prepared with about four streams,e.g., water, a sweetener, flavor, and acid). Additional streams may beadded to provide top notes, e.g., cherry flavor, or sweetener blends toreduce calories, such as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 12/703,048, filedFeb. 9, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Another pump or pumps (not shown) may be used to pump ice from transferunit 16 through piping 18 to dispensing head 12. In one preferredembodiment, the transfer unit 16 may comprise an ice machine 136.

As shown in FIG. 3, piping or main micro bundle 18 may comprise an outerpipe 138, and bundle of smaller inner pipes 140. Inner pipes 140 maycomprise beverage ingredient flavor lines 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334,336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350, 352, 354, 356, and 358, Innerpipes 140 may comprise beverage ingredient acid lines 360, 362, 364,366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392,and 394.

Beverage ingredient flavor line 324 corresponds to beverage ingredient24, beverage ingredient flavor line 326 corresponds to beverageingredient 26, etc. The following Table I identifies the correspondencebetween beverage ingredients and lines.

TABLE I Beverage ingredient Line 24 324 26 326 28 328 30 330 32 332 34334 36 336 38 338 40 340 42 342 44 344 46 346 48 348 50 350 52 352 54354 56 356 58 358 60 360 62 362 64 364 66 366 68 368 70 370 72 372 74374 76 376 78 378 80 380 82 382 84 384 86 386 88 388 90 390 92 392 94394

FIG. 3 illustrates a water out line 396, water return line 398, ice line306, nutritive sweetener out pump line 302, and non-nutritive sweetenerout pump line 304. Water return line 398 may allow for the circulatingof water that is not dispensed from a dispensing head 12 to be returnedto transfer unit 16 to makeup cold water to be supplied from transferunit 16 to doser unit 400. This helps conserve energy since the water inwater return line 398 will be closer to the desired temperature thanwater that has not been previously cooled. A hot water out line and ahot water return line may also be provided. A hot water return line (notshow) may be used to allow for the circulating of water that is notdispensed from a dispensing head 12 to be returned to transfer unit 16to makeup hot water to be supplied from transfer unit to doser unit 64.This helps conserve energy since the water in a hot water return linewill be closer to the desired temperature than water that has not beenpreviously heated. The ice line 306 may be the largest of the lines inthe bundle. Water out line 396 and water return line 398 may be aboutequal diameter, e.g., about ⅜″ diameter lines. The nutritive sweetenerout pump line 302 may have about equal diameter or slightly largerdiameter as the non-nutritive sweetener out pump line 304. For example,the nutritive sweetener line may have a diameter of about ⅜″ inches, andthe non-nutritive sweetener may have a diameter of about ¼″ inches. Thesweetener lines may comprise any desired number, e.g., four differentsweetener lines.

As shown in FIG. 4, doser unit 400 may comprise dispenser tower 402,which may comprise dispenser head 12 at counter location 14. Doser unit400 may comprise an ice hopper 404. Doser unit 404 may receive liquidunder pressure and dose appropriately to provide a desired beverage. Thedosing of a beverage ingredient may be between about 0.1 cc to about 17cc. In one embodiment, dosing may be about 0.5 cc to 17 cc for anutritive sweetener. Dosing may be performed by a sliding vane pump asshown in FIG. 4, or other suitable positive displacement pump, gearpump, piston pump, oscillating pump, or diaphragm pump (not shown). Thepump may be controlled through pulse width modulation, stroked orstepped to deliver the appropriate volume of an ingredient to form abeverage. Those of skill in the art will recognize that control ofdelivery may be achieved through use of an intelligent device, such acomputer or purpose embedded electronics.

As shown in FIG. 5, dispenser tower 402 may comprise a tower microbundle 406. In the embodiment depicted, tower micro bundle 406 comprisesan ice line 500, nine carbonated water lines 502, 504, 506, 508, 510,512, 514, 516, 518, nine non-carbonated water lines 520, 522, 524, 526,528, 530, 532, 534, 536 (including one that may be re-circulated orcreated on demand, e.g., from the cold water circuit, eighteen flavorlines 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550,551, 552, 553, 554, 555, eighteen acid lines 556, 558, 559, 560, 561,562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, anutritive sweetener line 576, and a non-nutritive sweetener line 578.Tower micro bundle 406 may comprise any suitable cladding, includingslots and piping.

A beverage ingredient, such as a sweetener, may be sent through a microbundle to get better mixing. Instead of using a traditional ⅜″ ID or ¼″ID pipe wherein a sweetener may be dropped to the bottom of a cup and aconsumer may not taste the sweetener when drinking a top portion of thebeverage in a cup, the present disclosure allows for the use of smallermicrotubes to get better mixing and have multiple dispense points (jetit in at a similar rate compared ingredients), and allow for greaterdispersion throughout the beverage.

The modular dispensing system may comprise not only a central acid andflavor system, but also a local dairy and/or juice system. Thus, abeverage may be prepared with a shot of juice, e.g., a cola with a shotof lemon juice and/or lime juice. A beverage, such as a cool frappuccinoor hot coffee, may be prepared with a shot of a dairy product, e.g.,milk or cream.

The modular dispensing system allows for the adding of additionaldispenser heads to existing towers for dispensing additional beverageswhile still using the centralized ingredient system or transfer unit.Such existing towers may be present at drive up systems or in-storesystems.

The modular dispensing system may comprise a fast fill system fordrive-up applications.

The modular dispensing system may comprise replacement bags for use iningredient cartridges.

The modular dispensing system may comprise auto sanitizing systems,e.g., auto sanitizing of buttons at dispenser towers 66. The sanitizingsystem may include a sanitizer cartridge, e.g., a sanitizer cartridgereplacing an ingredient cartridge. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that locking of a portion of the system may be used so that asanitizing cycle may be run. For example, a lock out feature withcartridge recognition of the sanitizer may be provided to preventunintentional beverage dispensing. The lock out feature with cartridgerecognition of the sanitizer may have mechanical and electricalredundancy.

The modular dispensing system may comprise interlocks on sweetenertypes.

The modular dispensing system may comprise and/or communicate with asocial media system or application. For example, when a mobile device ofa consumer is within a predetermined distance from a sensor linked tothe modular dispensing system, a message may be sent to the consumer'smobile device that queries the consumer whether the consumer would liketo purchase a beverage. Alternatively, or at the same time, a messagemay appear at a counter location that queries the consumer whether theconsumer would like to purchase a beverage. The social media system orapplication may download to the modular dispensing system the preferenceor preferences of a consumer based on the consumer's past purchasesand/or identified preferences. Thus, the modular dispensing systemand/or the social media system or application may query a particularconsumer when a mobile device of a consumer is within a predetermineddistance from a sensor of the modular dispensing system.

The modular dispenser system may also receive a beverage order from aconsumer via a social media system or application, including but notlimited to the social media system or application of a seller ofbeverages, including but not limited to restaurants, theaters, otherentertainment venues, and manufacturers and/or distributors ofbeverages. A consumer may order a beverage prior to arriving at counterso that the drink may be prepared and placed in a cup by the time orclose to the time the consumer arrives at the counter. Alternatively, acup bearing and RFID identifier may be prepared and made available tothe consumer for filling by the time or close to the time the consumerarrives at the counter. For example, see U.S. Ser. No. 12/704,217, filedFeb. 11, 2010, published on Aug. 12, 2010 as U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2010/0200110, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. This system saves time for both consumers and beveragesellers by cutting down on wait time, ordering time, and beveragepreparation time.

Thus, the system may recognize an individual and make certain decisionsregarding what beverage(s) or type of beverage(s) to offer theindividual. The system may change what the system traditionally offers,e.g., a shot of orange juice in a cola beverage, if such a beverage hasbeen ordered by the individual in the past, or the individual hasidentified the beverage as a preference on social media system orapplication.

In addition, the system may handle gifts or promotions given from oneentity to another. By way of example, but not limitation, the system mayrecognize an individual, determine whether that individual has receiveda gift or is eligible for a promotion, and send a query to theindividual as to whether the individual will accept the gift orpromotion, such as a free beverage or a beverage at a reduced price.

The system may provide a gesture interface so that a user may order abeverage at sensor without touching the sensor.

The system may also provide a sanitizing screen display, including butnot limited to, a puff of steam, a wiping motion display, andultraviolet LED.

The system may provide a user with variable pricing based on brandsbeing sold, e.g., the system may determine what products a user mayreceive based on cup size.

The system may allow for a user to pull into a drive up location andthrough the user's mobile device (e.g., a personal digital assistant,cell phone, or smart phone), via telephone or Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or othersuitable communication system, know where the user is located and showsthe user a menu, and may also provide the user with a special drive upline to pick up an order.

The system may allow for geolocation for advertising due to restrictedstreet sign usage.

The system may provide designs for various fluid flow paths for microdosing, e.g., controlling drip, and monitoring an effluent side of thepump.

Fast fill may include systems that allow for fast fill from the bottomof a cup.

On-demand carbonation may be provided using the dosing unit.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate other aspects of the present disclosure. Atransfer unit 600 may be similar to transfer unit 16 previouslydescribed. Transfer unit 600 may comprise a water treatment system 134.Transfer unit 600 may optionally comprise an ice system (not shown),like the ice machine 136 previously described.

Transfer unit 600 may comprise a central ingredient system or centralreconstitution factory 602, which may be similar to central ingredientsystem 20 previously described.

Central reconstitution factory system 602 may be linked to one or moreconventional or legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and 604C using a bundle606. The linking or connection between central reconstitution factorysystem 602 and legacy dispensers may be achieved in a backroom at thebundle pump inlet connection. As shown in FIG. 6, central reconstitutionfactory system 602 may comprise a plurality of beverage ingredients. InFIG. 6, central reconstitution factory 602 comprises twenty beverageingredients 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630,632, 634, 636, 638, 640, 642, 644, 646. These beverage ingredients maybe selected from the group consisting of a beverage flavor ingredientand an acid. Transfer unit 600 may comprise one or more mixing chambers.In FIG. 6, transfer unit 600 comprises mixing chambers 648, 650, 652,654 and 656, and additional mixing chambers if desired. Mixing chamber648 may correspond to nozzle dispensers 658 and 660 at legacy dispensers604A, 604B, and/or 604C, mixing chamber 650 may correspond to nozzledispenser 662 at legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C, mixingchamber 652 may correspond to nozzle dispenser 664 at legacy dispensers604A, 604B, and/or 604C, mixing chamber 654 may correspond to nozzledispenser 666 at legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C, and mixingchamber 656 may correspond to nozzle dispenser 658 at legacy dispensers604A, 604B, and/or 604C. Additional mixing chambers (not shown) may beprovided at transfer unit 600 to correspond to nozzle dispensers 670,672, 674, and 678 at legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C.

Beverage ingredients may be supplied to mixing chambers from cartridges112 previously described, or bag-in-box type containers, which prior tothe present disclosure were typically placed at a beverage dispensingcounter.

Syrups and other beverage ingredients may include any of those providedby PepsiCo Inc. to form beverages known under any PepsiCo branded name,such as Pepsi-Cola®. Syrup and other beverage ingredients may be pumpedfrom cartridges 112 or other supply containers by pumps (not shown) tomixing chambers as desired. These pumps may be driven by CO₂ from a tank671 or 673 and supplied through a CO₂ gas branch line 675. These pumpsmay comprise conventional syrup pumps, e.g., BIP pumps.

Each mixing chamber may correspond to a particular beverage to beprovided to a nozzle of legacy dispensers 604A, 604B, and/or 604C. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a beverage, e.g., a beverage of regularPepsi-Cola®, may be formed in mixing chamber 648. Inlets to mixingchamber 648 may comprise a water supply line 680, a sweetener supplyline 682, an acid supply line 684, and a flavor supply line 686. Mixingchamber 648 may comprise a beverage out line 688. The sweetener, acid,and flavor ingredients supplied to mixing chamber 648 may be highlyconcentrated amounts of those ingredients mixed with water prior tobeing supplied to mixing chamber 648, e.g., a ratio of beverageingredient to water of about 200 to 1 by weight. After being mixed withwater from water supply line 680, the mixture exiting mixing chamber 648in beverage out line 688 may have a ratio of beverage ingredient towater of about 5 to 1 by weight. Water may be supplied to a mixingchamber from water treatment system 679.

Sweetener line 682 may supply to a mixing chamber a nutritive sweetenerand/or a non-nutritive sweetener. Sweetener line 682 may be either anutritive sweetener pump line 302 or a non-nutritive sweetener pump outline 304 as previously described.

Aspects of the disclosure are shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. FIG. 9 showsa multi-tower modular dispensing system that may comprise at least afirst dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, atransfer unit located remotely from the counter, and piping extendingfrom the transfer unit to the counter. The transfer unit may comprise acentralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredientsources. The centralized ingredient system may be configured to supplybeverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a firstbeverage at the counter. The piping may comprise a main micro bundle.The main micro bundle may comprise at least two separate beverageingredient lines.

At least one doser unit may be provided corresponding to at least thefirst dispensing head. The doser unit may be configured to receive abeverage ingredient from the transfer unit and dose a predeterminedamount of the beverage ingredient to the first dispensing head.

The doser unit may be located at the counter. The doser unit may belocated below the counter.

The doser unit may supply an appropriate amount of each beverageingredient through a tower micro bundle, the tower micro bundlecomprising a plurality of separate lines, with each line correspondingto a particular beverage ingredient.

The transfer unit may comprise a water treatment system, the watertreatment system configured to treat water entering the water treatmentsystem so that it has at least one predetermined characteristic uponexiting the water treatment system.

At least one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting thewater treatment system may be a temperature that is lower than thetemperature of the water entering the water treatment system.

At least one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting thewater treatment system is a temperature that is higher than thetemperature of the water entering the water treatment system.

The main micro bundle may comprise a line from the water treatmentsystem to the doser unit.

The transfer unit may comprise an ice machine. The main micro bundle maycomprise a line from the ice machine to the doser unit.

At least the first dispensing head may be configured to receive ice froman ice hopper and dispense the ice in a predetermined amount along withthe other beverage ingredients. The ice hopper may be located at thecounter. The ice hopper may be located below the counter.

At least the first dispensing head may be configured to receive at leastone carbonated water line and dispense carbonated water in apredetermined amount along with the other beverage ingredients.

The first dispensing head and the second dispensing head may be eachconfigured to receive at least at least two beverage ingredients, the atleast two beverage ingredients selected from the group consisting of aflavor ingredient and an acid.

The multi-tower modular dispensing system may comprise at least a firstdoser unit corresponding to the first dispensing head, and a seconddoser unit corresponding to the second dispensing head. The first doserunit may be configured to receive a first beverage ingredient from thetransfer unit and dose a predetermined amount of the first beverageingredient to the first dispensing head. The second doser unit may beconfigured to receive a second beverage ingredient from the transferunit and dose a predetermined amount of the second beverage ingredientto the second dispensing head. The first beverage ingredient and thesecond beverage ingredient may be the same or different.

The first doser unit may be configured to supply an appropriate amountof each beverage ingredient for a first predetermined beverage to thefirst dispensing head through a first tower micro bundle, the firsttower micro bundle comprising a plurality of separate lines, with atleast one line corresponding to a particular beverage ingredient of thefirst predetermined beverage. The second doser unit may be configured tosupply an appropriate amount of each beverage ingredient for a secondpredetermined beverage to the second dispensing head through a secondtower micro bundle, the second tower micro bundle comprising a pluralityof separate lines, with at least one line corresponding to a particularbeverage ingredient of the second predetermined beverage. The firstpredetermined beverage and the second predetermined beverage are thesame or different.

In one aspect, and as further shown in FIG. 10, a multi-tower modulardispensing system may be provided comprising at least a first dispensinghead at a first counter, and at least a second dispensing head at asecond counter. The first and second counters may be remote from eachother. A transfer unit may be located remotely from the first counterand the second counter. Piping may extend from the transfer unit to thefirst counter and the second counter. The transfer unit may comprise acentralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredientsources. The centralized ingredient system may be configured to supplybeverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a firstbeverage at the first counter and for the dispensing of a secondbeverage at the second counter. The piping may comprise a main microbundle. The main micro bundle may comprise at least two separatebeverage ingredient lines. The first beverage and the second beveragemay be the same or different.

The piping may be configured to supply beverage ingredients from thetransfer unit to the first counter and the second counter in series orin parallel. At least the first counter may comprise at least anadditional dispensing head.

As shown in FIG. 11, a multi-tower modular dispensing system maycomprise a plurality of dispensing heads at a first counter, a pluralityof dispensing heads at a second counter, the first and second countersremote from each other, a transfer unit located remotely from the firstcounter and the second counter, and piping extending from the transferunit to the first counter and the second counter. The transfer unit maycomprise a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverageingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured tosupply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of aplurality of beverages at the first counter and for the dispensing of aplurality of beverages at the second counter, the piping comprising atleast one main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprising aplurality of separate beverage ingredient lines. The piping may beconfigured to supply beverage ingredients from the transfer unit to thefirst counter and the second counter in series or in parallel.

The invention herein has been described and illustrated with referenceto the embodiments of the figures, but it should be understood that thefeatures of the invention are susceptible to modification, alteration,changes or substitution without departing significantly from the spiritof the invention. For example, the dimensions, number, size and shape ofthe various components may be altered to fit specific applications.Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described hereinare for illustrative purposes only and the invention is not limitedexcept by the following claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A multi-tower modular dispensing system comprising: atleast a first dispensing head of a first tower at a first counter, atleast a second dispensing head of a second tower at a second counter,the first and second counters remote from each other, a transfer unitlocated remotely from the first counter and the second counter, pipingextending from the transfer unit to the first counter and the secondcounter, the transfer unit comprising a centralized ingredient systemhaving a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralizedingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to thepiping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the first counter andfor the dispensing of a second beverage at the second counter, thepiping comprising a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle comprisingat least two separate beverage ingredient lines.
 2. The multi-towermodular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the piping is configuredto supply beverage ingredients from the transfer unit to the firstcounter and the second counter in series or in parallel.
 3. Themulti-tower modular dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising atleast a first doser unit corresponding to the first dispensing head, thefirst doser unit configured to receive a first beverage ingredientthrough the main micro bundle pipe from the transfer unit and dose apredetermined amount of the first beverage ingredient to the firstdispensing head; a second doser unit configured to receive a secondbeverage ingredient from the transfer unit and dose a predeterminedamount of the second beverage ingredient to the second dispensing head.4. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim 3, wherein thefirst doser unit and the second doser unit are located below thecounter.
 5. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim 3,wherein the first doser unit supplies an appropriate amount of eachbeverage ingredient through a first tower micro bundle, the first towermicro bundle comprising a plurality of separate lines, with each linecorresponding to a particular beverage ingredient.
 6. The multi-towermodular dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the transfer unitcomprises a water treatment system, the water treatment systemconfigured to treat water entering the water treatment system so that ithas at least one predetermined characteristic upon exiting the watertreatment system.
 7. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim6, wherein the at least one predetermined characteristic of the waterupon exiting the water treatment system is a temperature that is lowerthan the temperature of the water entering the water treatment system.8. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim 6, wherein the atleast one predetermined characteristic of the water upon exiting thewater treatment system is a temperature that is higher than thetemperature of the water entering the water treatment system.
 9. Themulti-tower modular dispensing system of claim 6, wherein the main microbundle pipe comprises a line from the water treatment system to thefirst doser unit.
 10. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim6, wherein the transfer unit comprises an ice machine.
 11. Themulti-tower modular dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the mainmicro bundle pipe comprises a line from the ice machine to the firstdoser unit.
 12. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim 1,wherein at least the first dispensing head is configured to receive icefrom an ice hopper and dispense the ice in a predetermined amount alongwith the other beverage ingredients.
 13. The multi-tower modulardispensing system of claim 12, wherein the ice hopper is located at thecounter.
 14. The multi-tower modular dispensing system of claim 13,wherein the ice hopper is located below the counter.
 15. The multi-towermodular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein at least the firstdispensing head is configured to receive at least one carbonated waterline and dispense carbonated water in a predetermined amount along withthe other beverage ingredients.
 16. The multi-tower modular dispensingsystem of claim 1, wherein the first dispensing head and the seconddispensing head are each configured to receive at least two beverageingredients, the at least two beverage ingredients selected from thegroup consisting of a flavor ingredient and an acid.
 17. The multi-towermodular dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the first beverageingredient and the second beverage ingredient are the same.
 18. Themulti-tower modular dispensing system of claim 3, wherein the firstdoser unit is configured to supply an appropriate amount of eachbeverage ingredient for a first predetermined beverage to the firstdispensing head through a first tower micro bundle, the first towermicro bundle comprising a plurality of separate lines, with at least oneline corresponding to a particular beverage ingredient of the firstpredetermined beverage, wherein the second doser unit is configured tosupply an appropriate amount of each beverage ingredient for a secondpredetermined beverage to the second dispensing head through a secondtower micro bundle pipe, the second tower micro bundle comprising aplurality of separate lines, with at least one line corresponding to aparticular beverage ingredient of the second predetermined beverage. 19.The multi-tower dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the first beverageingredient and the second beverage ingredient are different.
 20. Themulti-tower dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the first dispensinghead is configured to dispense ice from the main micro bundle pipe. 21.The multi-tower dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the main microbundle pipe comprises a first main micro bundle pipe corresponding tothe first tower, and a second main micro bundle pipe corresponding tothe second tower.
 22. The multi-tower dispensing system of claim 21,wherein the first tower comprises a first plurality of towers, whereineach of the first plurality of towers comprises a correspondingdispensing head and a corresponding doser unit, wherein the second towercomprises a second plurality of towers, wherein each of the secondplurality of towers comprises a corresponding dispensing head and acorresponding doser unit.
 23. A multi-tower modular dispensing systemcomprising a plurality of dispensing heads at a first counter, aplurality of dispensing heads at a second counter, the first and secondcounters remote from each other, a transfer unit located remotely fromthe first counter and the second counter, piping extending from thetransfer unit to the first counter and the second counter, the transferunit comprising a centralized ingredient system having a plurality ofbeverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient systemconfigured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for thedispensing of a plurality of beverages at the first counter and for thedispensing of a plurality of beverages at the second counter, the pipingcomprising at least one main micro bundle, the main micro bundlecomprising a plurality of separate beverage ingredient lines.
 24. Themulti-tower modular dispensing system of claim 23, wherein the piping isconfigured to supply beverage ingredients from the transfer unit to thefirst counter and the second counter in series or in parallel.